Messages - Netopalis

*sigh* Fine, I'll bow out of this thread. I do care about equality, for the record, I just don't feel that AA is the way to do it...But, after today, I really, really do NOT feel like arguing to the bitter end with random strangers on the internet.

Well, I'll be honest, I've not done a great deal of research on the matter. I know that in my own town, I'd be shocked if any of the local officers acted in a racist manner - they take great care to make sure that they handle things as evenly as possible. Perhaps things are different elsewhere - I wouldn't know anywhere outside of the tiny appalachian town in which I live. That being said, have the last 20 years of affirmative action fixed the problem, or have the changes been the result of a culture that has evolved beyond its racist tendencies? I tend to think the latter.

Some advantages are a result the person's actions, others are the result of events which the person cannot control. The LSAT, GPA and soft factors are remarkably controllable. A person can improve their LSAT score by a huge margin by studying, they can improve their GPA by applying themselves and they can improve their soft factors by getting involved. Can't change your race, though. As for the above posters, is that truly the only aim of the law schools? They have other intents in mind as well. As for blacks and hispanics being disproportionately affected by the CRJ system...that's a very complex issue, but not one of racism.

A comparison of one's GPA/LSAT to other incoming students at the same school, adjusting by up to 7 LSAT points either way to account for soft factors, adversity overcome, personality and general fit within the aims of the law school.

Matthies, I have two jobs while in undergrad. I have received and am gratefuul for aid through merit scholarships alone. I don't expect or want anyone to give me a "leg up" because they take pity on me, but the flipside of that is that I don't feel particularly impressed by anyone who does want that sort of pity. If you think you can get rich living at 30k per year, then by all means, drop law school and go for it. That being said, 30k is barely enough to live on in most places, and people still need to eat.